General Advice on ball for my son.

[Bizwan65]

My 14yo son has expressed an interest in trying out for the HS bowling team. He has never bowled beyond the occasional birthday party. He is 5 feet tall and barely 100 lbs soaking wet, and not very strong.

I bought him a 10 lb Brunswick TZone ball and had it drilled with a conventional grip. We also signed him up for a local youth league where he receives a little coaching. Through about 20 games bowled in practice and league the last month he is averaging around 85 with a high game of 115. We are still working on him getting more consistent with his approach and release. His 1st week league scores were 103, 94 and 100.

Would it be worth getting him a better performing ball (at the same 10# weight) with a fingertip grip now, or wait for him to get squared away on approach/release and for him to get stronger.

Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
Biz

[kev3inp]

Just my opinion, as off as it may be, or whatever, but I'd say sure, move him up in performance and go to fingertip. Keep in mind he's probably going to have growth spurts, so you need to keep an eye on his ball fit. The best thing you could do, though, again in my opinion, would be to get him some one on one coaching. Better to learn good technique now instead of having to unlearn it later. There's bound to be someone who disagrees. I have that effect.

[vgw]

If this is a competitive team, then it is probably not a good year to start. But if this is just an intramural bowling league, then it should be fine. Learning with a conventional grip would teach him to bowl straight and how to play angles. The strikes won't be there, but he could learn the basics and hopefully become a good spare shooter. Then after a year or two, you should consider going to fingertip with a reactive resin ball. I think the mechanics and basics are more important than score at this age - just my opinion.

[J Anderson]

I sort of agree with Kev, especially about the coaching. I would probably wait on the new ball and just re-drill the T-zone finger-tip. Save the performance ball for his next birthday or Christmas.

[WAC4504]

I have to agree with Kev, one on one coaching or at least small group lessons will work wonders. As for having to unlearn bad habits, he's right also, I know 'cause I've done it. Unlearning bad habits and relearning the right way takes twice as long as doing it right the first time. I also agree with getting him a reactive entry level ball, you can always have the T Zone redrilled fingertip to use as a spare ball. Good luck.

[StormGirl]

I'm not sure if this is available in your area, but the beginner leagues here have coaches who will help you for free as you bowl. My friend learned that way, and it seemed to have helped him tons. Oh, they also give you a free ball at the end of the season too. You should check out your local bowling alley to see if they have a similar program.